Richard Rohr's discussion on leadership in 'Leader to Love' emphasizes the profound connection between leadership, humility, and love. He begins by clarifying the concept of myth, explaining that while in modern times, myth is often seen as a 'lie,' it actually represents 'something that is always true or deeply true.' Richard Rohr underscores the importance of understanding these myths or stories, as they 'cannot be talked about' directly but must be communicated through parables or patterns, which reveal universal truths across different cultures and religions.
Richard Rohr describes the leader's journey as similar to a hero's journey, where individuals move through different stages of life. He explains that in the first half of life, people are focused on 'building your sense of self' or 'ego structure,' which is necessary for personal growth. However, Rohr warns that many people get stuck in this phase, continually seeking validation through 'being rich,' 'being famous,' or having 'a trophy wife.' He notes that while there is nothing wrong with this, it ultimately 'won't satisfy the soul' and leaves people trapped in a cycle of seeking more of what isn’t fulfilling.
Transitioning to the second half of life involves a deeper spiritual awakening, according to Richard Rohr. He states that 'you've got to leave either your normal definition of success' or your 'family's agenda' to truly grow. This shift often comes through experiences of failure or suffering, which Rohr describes as moments that 'defeat your natural egocentricity' and allow you to recognize what truly matters. He emphasizes that wisdom comes from 'falling and recovering,' a process he calls 'reorder,' where individuals emerge stronger and more self-aware.
Humility is a central theme in Richard Rohr's view of leadership. He asserts that 'when you've encountered the great mystery,' whether it's God, truth, or love, 'you're always humble' because you recognize that you 'don't know the most.' True leaders, Rohr explains, are those who are 'curious' and 'always have questions,' rather than those who are certain and feel they have all the answers. He argues that humility allows leaders to accept criticism and remain open to learning, which is essential for guiding others effectively.
Richard Rohr also discusses the challenge of integrating spirituality into the workplace, especially in a secular environment. He acknowledges that many people feel they cannot 'bring [their] spirituality' to work because it is 'not safe' or might offend others. However, he encourages leaders to find a 'sweet spot' between 'Rebels and conformists' where they can bring their full selves to work while respecting others' beliefs. Rohr notes that this balance is crucial for fostering creativity and positive change in any organization.
In his reflection on the meaning of life, Richard Rohr asserts that 'the origin, engine, and goal' of all existence is love. He emphasizes that 'anything that's leading you away from love' is not part of the truth and that the essence of a meaningful life is to 'remind yourself' that love is the ultimate purpose. Rohr believes that understanding this is the key to true wisdom and that leaders who internalize this truth are 'indestructible' because they are grounded in something greater than themselves.
Ultimately, Richard Rohr’s message is one of simplicity and depth: true leadership is about love, humility, and the willingness to serve others. He urges leaders to remember that 'life is a journey' and that they, too, are 'on it' with those they lead. By embracing humility and the constant pursuit of love, leaders can navigate the challenges of life and leadership with grace and purpose, recognizing that their role is not to control but to accompany others on their journey.
Journal and reflect on the following
What are the things in life meaning-filled, and how can you focus on this instead of just trying to be popular or successful?
Think about what makes you feel truly good inside, not just what impresses others.
Why is it important for a leader to be humble and open to learning from others?
Consider how being humble can help you be a better friend and leader.
How can difficult experiences, like failing at something or going through a tough time, help you grow stronger and wiser?
Think about a time when something hard happened to you and what you learned from it.
How can you bring your beliefs and values into what you do every day, like at school, at work, or with friends, even if it’s not always easy to talk about?
Reflect on how you can be true to yourself while also being respectful of others.
Why is it important to keep love at the center of everything you do, and how can focusing on love help you make better choices?
Think about how choosing to act with love can make your life and the lives of others better.
Discuss
Song - Tim McGraw - Humble And Kind
Song - Who Am I - Casting Crowns
Closing prayer
Loving Father, we thank You for the gift of humility and the guidance You provide on our journey through life. Help us to lead with love, always seeking Your wisdom in our decisions and actions. Teach us to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to remain open to learning from others. May we always keep Your love at the center of all we do, and may our lives reflect Your grace and compassion to those around us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
